Rotselaar (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Pastor Andy Penne of Holsbeek inaugurated the restored weather vane at St. Peter’s Church in Rotselaar, assisting Pastor Peter Kastekkere, who has a fear of heights, during the blessing ceremony.
As VRT News reported, the restored weather vane at St. Peter’s Church in Rotselaar, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, was officially inaugurated.
“I’m afraid of heights, but we wanted to complete the blessing of the new rooster correctly. That’s why I asked the pastor of Holsbeek for help. We sometimes help each other out when we need help,”
says Pastor Peter Kastekkere of Rotselaar.
What did Pastor Andy Penne do to bless the restored weather vane at St. Peter’s Church?
Pastor Andy Penne of Holsbeek led the ceremony. He climbed 40 meters in a cherry picker to reach the top of the church tower. He was joined by the chairman of the church council and Mayor Jelle Wouters (ROX). Together, they performed the blessing ceremony at the highest point of the church.
From above, Pastor Penne, the chairman, and the mayor sprinkled holy water on the cross and the newly restored rooster. On the ground, Pastor Kastekkere offered a prayer for the church and the community.
Pastor Andy Penne was not afraid of heights during the inauguration of the restored weather vane.
“It was very pleasant, with beautiful weather and a clear sky, so we had a wonderful view of the region. But it was very cold,” says the pastor.
“The municipal drone was flying around the church tower to capture footage, so I guess I’ll look at it that way,”
the pastor laughs.
The rooster at the top of the church tower had been carefully restored to its original condition before being replaced. This final step completes the extensive restoration of St. Peter’s Church in the centre of Rotselaar.
St. Peter’s Church in Rotselaar, originally built between 1846 and 1848, has recently completed major restoration work. Its tower, which dates back to the 11th century, was also repaired and given a new weather vane with a restored rooster. The church interior was renovated in late 2023, including painting, lighting, and electrical updates, and it was reopened on November 25, 2023.
At the same time, St. Martin’s Church in the Wezemaal district underwent extensive repairs, including restoration of the spire, stone and wood elements, and the addition of bird protection and ventilation improvements.
